EAST LANSING, Mich. — The horn went off too soon, and Michigan State hung on.

Eron Harris had a season-high 31 points and the 13th-ranked Spartans held off Florida Gulf Coast 78-77 on Sunday night when a timekeeping error led to a disputed finish.

With 1.6 seconds remaining, Florida Gulf Coast’s Christian Terrell threw a long inbounds pass from underneath his own basket. But the clock incorrectly started when the pass was thrown, rather than when Antravious Simmons caught the ball by the foul line at the other end of the court.

So as Simmons turned to try a game-winning shot, the buzzer sounded — much too early. Simmons missed his attempt, but FGCU players looked confused and coach Joe Dooley sought an explanation.

Officials went to a video review as players and fans waited to find out if the game was indeed over.

“Since a timing error occurred, we are able to utilize the replay monitor,” referee Bo Boroski told a pool reporter. “Using a stopwatch, it was determined the ball was caught and released in 1.3 seconds, meaning if the shot would have gone in, it would have counted. After the miss there was no time remaining in the game, therefore ending the game. By rule the possession cannot be replayed.”

And that was that.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo argues a call with officials.AP

After the game, Dooley said he understood the ruling.

Harris made all six of his 3-pointers and Miles Bridges added 13 points for the Spartans (2-2), who shot a season-best 51 percent from the floor. They hit 52.9 percent of their attempts from beyond the 3-point line, but struggled at the free throw line (57.6 percent).

“It’s hard to be honest and mad and happy at the same time,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. “We got to the free throw line 33 times. Twenty-one assists on 25 baskets was very, very good. We improved in some areas, but I thought we got outplayed. The biggest thing this program has stood for has been toughness, but I told our players they were the tougher team.”

“I thought it was a great college game. Great atmosphere. I’m proud of the way our guys competed,” Dooley said. “Obviously disappointed with the ending, but we put ourselves in some spots that we shouldn’t have. But that’s what happens when you play a really good team, and Michigan State’s a really good team.”